The 3 Do's and 3 Don'ts of Bringing Esports to Your Campus

Are you ready to bring the excitement of esports to your campus? Esports can transform the educational experience, boosting student engagement and developing critical skills. But before you jump in, it's essential to understand the best practices and pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll explore the three crucial do's and don’ts for effectively integrating esports into your educational environment.

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Why Esports in Education?

Esports in education is more than just playing video games. It's about fostering teamwork, enhancing problem-solving skills, and integrating technology into a curriculum that resonates with today's students. From elementary schools to universities, educators are discovering that esports can be a dynamic addition to their educational toolkit.

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The 3 Do's of Bringing Esports to Your Campus

1. Do Connect to Curriculum

Integrating esports with your existing curriculum can provide context and relevance. Esports can be linked to a variety of subjects such as mathematics, science, and even social studies. For example, GamerMath™, developed by Mastery Coding, can help students understand math concepts through a medium they enjoy. By deconstructing games and understanding underlying mechanics, students can deepen their knowledge in STEM fields, ultimately preparing them for careers in tech.

Practical Tip: Start by identifying subjects where you can introduce gaming concepts. For instance, use statistics from popular games to teach probabilities in math class. This approach not only makes the subject matter more engaging but also practical and relatable.

2. Do Communicate

Effective communication is key to the success of any esports program. It's vital to communicate with teachers, administrators, parents, and students about the benefits of esports. Address common misconceptions, such as concerns about screen time and promote healthy gaming habits.

Practical Tip: Host informational sessions for parents and faculty to discuss the positive impacts of esports, such as improved teamwork and strategic thinking. Create open channels of communication where students can express their interests and feedback about the program. Learn more about the benefits of esports by reading our research paper or our blog article.

3. Do Your Research

Before launching your esports program, thorough research is essential. Understand the landscape of esports, the games that are popular among students, and the resources you'll need. Research the necessary hardware, software, and potential career paths connected to esports to make informed decisions.

Practical Tip: Conduct surveys to gauge student interest and preferences. Use this data to tailor your program to meet their needs and ensure high levels of participation and engagement. Additionally, review professional resources and case studies from other schools that have successfully implemented esports programs. To learn more, read our article about how to start an esports organization on your campus.

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The 3 Don'ts of Bringing Esports to Your Campus

1. Don’t Take on Too Much

Starting small and scaling gradually is a smarter approach than trying to do everything at once. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and a scattered program that fails to meet its goals. Focus on a few key initiatives and build a strong foundation before expanding.

Practical Tip: Begin with a single game or a small team and gradually add more players and games as the program grows. This allows you to manage resources effectively and maintain a high-quality experience for all participants.

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2. Don’t Focus on the Bling

While it might be tempting to invest in high-end equipment and flashy setups, the essence of a successful esports program lies in strategy, teamwork, and skill development. Prioritize resources that impact student learning and engagement rather than superficial additions.

Practical Tip: Allocate your budget towards quality coaching, training materials, and educational resources that enhance the overall experience. Basic, reliable equipment is sufficient to get started and can always be upgraded later. If you are looking for support, consider bringing in curriculum and  organized competitions by joining the US Academic Esports League.

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3. Don’t Start Too Late

Esports isn't just for high school or college students. Starting early can provide students with foundational skills that can benefit them throughout their educational journeys. Younger students can learn teamwork, leadership, and technical skills through age-appropriate gaming activities.

Practical Tip: Introduce esports programs in middle or even elementary school with age-appropriate games. Focus on building skills such as collaboration and communication early on. This early exposure can generate sustained interest and preparedness for more competitive play in higher grades.

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Conclusion

Bringing esports to your campus has the potential to revolutionize how students engage with their education. By connecting esports to the curriculum, maintaining clear communication, and doing your research, you can create a thriving, impactful program. Avoid overcommitting, focusing too much on appearances, and delaying the start of your program to ensure long-term success.

If you're ready to take the next step in integrating esports at your school, consider reaching out to experts who can help guide you through the process. Our team at the US Academic Esports League is here to support you every step of the way. Let's make your campus the next hub of esports excellence!

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